Contact Lenses: A Guide to Proper Care
Contact lenses have long since become a popular method of vision correction with approximately 45 million people in the United States using them. While contact lenses offer convenience and clear vision, it is important to prioritize proper care and maintenance to prevent infection and other complications.
How to Properly Care for Contact Lenses
Avoid Sleeping in Contacts
A common mistake that many contact lens wearers make is sleeping in their lenses. Unless prescribed by an eye care professional, it is strongly advised against doing so. Sleeping in contact lenses can increase the risk of eye infection by up to 8 times.
Keep Hands Clean
Clean hands play an important role in preventing the introduction of harmful bacteria to your eyes. Be sure to wash your hands and dry them with a clean towel before handling lenses.
Avoid the use of Water
Whether it's from the bathroom sink or the swimming pool, water can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes through contact lenses. It’s essential to clean your contact lenses after swimming and showering to avoid infection.
Properly Clean Lenses
Proper care for contact lenses is essential for the health and hygiene of the eyes. Be sure to properly clean the contacts with a contact lens solution every time they are removed. Don’t use old, leftover solution when storing and cleaning your contacts to prevent contamination. Daily disposable contact lenses are the safest way to keep your eyes healthy while wearing contacts. Wear the lenses once and dispose of them. No solution or cleaning required.
Contact lenses are a great, effective method of vision correction for millions of people. Prioritizing proper care and maintenance is essential at preventing eye infections and, in severe cases, blindness. By following the recommended care outlined by your health care professional, you can significantly reduce the risk of eye infection. Remember, clean and safe handling of contact lenses is paramount. By prioritizing your eye health, you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses while minimizing the potential risks.
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